ai4bharat/Pralekha huggingface dataset:
Ministry of Science & Technology
Indo-German Science and Technology Centre  signs MoU with Tata Steel and LoI with BASF for Scientific cooperation & partnerships
A new MoU and LoI has been signed to foster Science and Technology led innovations through Indo-German R&D networking, including industrial research partnership in PPP mode.
The partnership has been established between bilateral Indo-German Science and Technology Centre  through the MoU with Tata Steel Ltd will institute a joint collaborative Research & Innovation  framework to facilitate new technologies development, conduct thought leadership workshops, and support human capital development.
IGSTC has been established by the Department of Science and Technology , Govt of India, and the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research . The cooperation with Tata Steel Ltd will focus on globally relevant technology & Innovation areas of Climate change, Greening of the Industrial sector, Emerging technologies in new materials, joint research & innovation for emerging technologies, and technology development for scaling-up. A Letter of Intent was also signed with BASF for Scientific cooperation partnerships to foster Science and Technology led innovations and research partnerships in PPP mode.
IGSTC MoU with Tata Steel Ltd.
The IGSTC’s Letter of Intent  with BASF Chemicals India Pvt Ltd  will foster Science and Technology led innovations through Indo-German R&D networking, including Industrial research partnership in PPP mode. Recognizing the mutual benefits obtainable from scientific cooperation, BASF will jointly support the IGSTC’s Industrial Fellowships under the categories of Ph.D. Industrial Fellowships and Post-Doctoral Fellowships to encourage and enable the capacity building of young Indian researchers by facilitating for exposure at BASF facilities in Germany.
IGSTC LoI with BASF
The IGSTC’s MoU and LoI agreements with Tata Steel Ltd and BASF were signed on 21st March, 2022, in the presence of dignitaries Mr. S.K.Varshney, Head, International Cooperation, DST and Indian Co-Chair IGSTC Governing Body, Dr. Steffen Norbert Koch, Minister and Head of Economic Department, German Embassy Dr. Debashish Bhattacharjee, Vice President Technology & New Materials Business, Tata Steel Ltd., Mr. Kamesh Gupta, Chief - Graphene Business, Innoventure, and Innovation, Technology & New Materials Business, Tata Steel Ltd. and Dr. Dietmar Hueglin, Director BASF Innovation Campus Mumbai and officials from DST & Indo-German Chamber of Commerce.
Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas
Shri Dharmendra Pradhan flags off two welfare projects of ONGC at Betul in MP
In line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision to increase the use of renewable energy and making India Atmanirbhar, two projects supported by Energy Maharatna ONGC for the welfare of people in Betul district of Madhya Pradesh were launched by Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas and Steel Dharmendra Pradhan today. The Minister laid the foundation stone of a hostel-cum-training facility for farmers at Bharat Bharati Shiksha Samiti. He also launched the distribution of Solar Chulhas to poor households in Betul, which is being developed as a solar village.
ONGC has got solar chulhas designed and developed through IIT Bombay, at an investment of around ninety lakh rupees. The Minister distributed 86 Solar PV Cook-Stove to poor households in the district: 74 were distributed to households of Bacha Gram Panchayat in Ghodadongri Tehsil of Baitul District, 12 in Jamthi village school. All the beneficiaries belonged to the poor and underprivileged section of the society.
The two-floor  hostel-cum-training facility, being built at an investment of around three crore rupees, will be used to train poor farmers in organic farming. The structure is being built on a 3.45-acre land in the campus of Bharat Bharati Siksha Samiti. Around 15,000 to 20,000 poor farmers will benefit from this ONGC welfare project. The Minister of Petroleum & Natural Gas and Steel Dharmendra Pradhan laid the foundation stone of this facility.
YB
Special Service and Features
Union Minister of State Sadhvi Niranjan Jyoti holds review meeting
Union Minister of State for Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution and Rural Development Smt. Sadhvi Niranjan Jyoti held a review meeting of activities of Food Corporation of India  at Thiruvananthapuram. The review meeting included a detailed analysis of activities of all concerned departments and Divisional Managers within Kerala. The minister also congratulated all attendees on the the occasion of Foundation Day of Panchayati Raj. The minister also praised the achievements of FCI in the movement and distribution of food grains during the COVID-19 pandemic.General Manager of FCI Shri C.P. Saharan was present. The meeting also included officers from FCI, BIS, CWC, State Civil Supplies Department and SupplyCo.
NS
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Ministry of Defence
Indian Coast Guard Concludes Maiden Contract for 10 Multicopter  Drones
In a major boost to Marine Surveillance and Interdiction capabilities, the Indian Coast Guard has concluded maiden contract for 10 multicopter  drones in consonance with Government of India’s policy of embracing Drone Technology.
These drones are capable of being launched from both Ships whilst underway, as well as Shore Stations and will play a significant role in the reach if ICG unit during Surveillance & Security operations. In addition, these drones are going to assist in Search and Rescue , both by day as well as night. The ICG plans to induct 100 additional drones by 2025, to meet the ever-growing challenges in India’s Maritime Zones and Search & Rescue Region.
Competition Commission of India
CCI approves acquisition of 71.25% shareholding of ASK Investment Managers Limited by BCP TopCo XII Pte Ltd.
The Competition Commission of India  approves acquisition of 71.25% shareholding of ASK Investment Managers Limited by BCP TopCo XII Pte Ltd.
BCP TopCo XII Pte Ltd.  is an affiliate of funds advised or managed by the affiliates of the Blackstone Group Inc. The principal activity of the Acquirer is that of investment holding and related activities. However, at present, it does not have any business operations, in India or worldwide.
ASK Investment Managers Limited  is an asset and wealth management company with an established client base in India. The Target, directly and through the associate and subsidiary companies, is engaged in the business of providing financial services, including in particular  providing portfolio management services to individuals, groups of individuals, family offices and other entities;  offering investment solutions, investment advisory services, and wealth management and wealth planning services  for individuals, family offices and corporates;  sponsoring and managing alternate investment funds;  sponsoring, setting up or advising funds;  providing credit facilities; and  distribution of financial products .
The Proposed Combination involves acquisition of 71.25% shareholding of the Target by the Acquirer.
Detailed order of the CCI will follow.
Ministry of Textiles
Environmental, social and governance Task Force in the Textiles sector soon dedicated to Sustainability: Shri Goyal
Ministry of Textiles organized ‘Saurashtra Tamil Sangamam’ and Chintan Shivir in Gujarat
Soft launch of e-commerce website of Ministry of Textiles dedicated to handloom and handicrafts
An ESG  Task Force in the Textiles sector will be created keeping in mind India's commitment towards sustainability, said Shri Piyush Goyal, Union Minister of Textiles, Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution and Commerce and Industry during soft launch of e-commerce website of Ministry of Textiles dedicated to handloom and handicrafts in Rajkot, Gujarat today. The event was a part of ‘Saurashtra Tamil Sangamam’ in which Chief Minister of Gujarat, Shri Bhupendrabhai Patel also participated.
During two days event in Somnath and Rajkot, the Union Minister attended the Chintan Shivir in which along with officers from the Ministry of Textiles, deliberations on various aspects of the sector was done.
Speaking on the occasion, Shri Goyal said there has been fruitful discussions for making textile sector more vibrant. He added that the some of the manufacturers & exporters are ensuring twice the value upon receiving Environmental, social and governance  compliance certification. Efforts are being made to ensure this certification for more manufacturers & exporters.
He also talked about the export target of USD 100 Billion for textile sector by 2030 and overall target of USD 250 Billion for textile sector by 2030.
He said that five commitments of Hon’ble PM Narendra Modi also includes that we have to go back to our roots to progress with confidence. He said that both Tamil Nadu and Gujarat are connected with history and culture but are also connected due to having strong traditional and modern Textile sector.
He said that due to strong belief of PM in ‘Ek Bharat Shresth Bharat’, ‘Saurashtra Tamil Sangamam’ is being organized in Gujarat. A large number of women from Tamil Nadu reached the state. He said that he interacted with them and found that they were excited and joyous. The Union Minister said that it reflects that the cultural heritage of our country is in Unity. He said that ‘Saurashtra Tamil Sangamam’ is an effort to unify India.
Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment
Independence Day celebrated by Composite Regional Centre  for Skill Development, Rehabilitation & Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities in Nagpur
: Nagpur, August 15, 2023
The Composite Regional Centre  for Skill Development, Rehabilitation & Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities, Union Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment, Nagpur, celebrated 77th Independence Day with all its family of Divyangjans.
Flag hosting was done by Prafull Shinde, Director CRC Nagpur, in presence of all the staff and CRC Nagpur’s Beneficiaries. The Parents, Staff and Students were oriented by Shri. Rajendra Meshram about Niramaya Yojana and its benefits. CRC Nagpur is the facilitation center for Niramaya Yojana. For the current year, almost 50-57 beneficiaries have been registered under the National Trust Act. On the occasion of Independence Day 22 Smarts cards of Niramaya Yojana was distributed to the beneficiaries. With the help of this card, they can get Nirmaya Health Insurance up to 1 lakh. Children with Multiple Disabilities, Intellectual Disabilities, Cerebral Palsy and Autism Spectrum Disorder can be benefited by Niramaya Health Insurance under the National Trust Act.
Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying
Union Minister of State Dr. L Murugan will attend She Short Film Festival Awards tomorrow
Union Minister of State for Information & Broadcasting and Fisheries Dr. L Murugan will be the Chief Guest at She Short Film Festival Awards ceremony based on the theme of women's safety. The ceremony will be held tomorrow  at 5.30 pm at Udaya Palace Convention Center at Kowdiar, Thiruvananthapuram. Actors Tovino Thomas and Keerthy Suresh will be Guests of Honour at the event that will also host many prominent people from the film industry.
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Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions
“Creation of UT of J&K and Ladakh historic, opened the flood gates of development and progress in the region”: Dr. Jitendra Singh
The Minister of State for Development of North Eastern Region , Prime Minister’s Office, Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr. Jitendra Singh has said the historic step of creating the two Union Territories of Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh has opened the flood gates of development and progress in the region. Addressing a delegation of teachers from Jammu and Kashmir UT here today, he said the Articles 370 and 35A were archaic and only served to impediments to the development of the erstwhile state of J&K. “The abrogation of these Articles also unleashed a war on corruption with the setting up of the Anti-Corruption Bureau, ACB in the UT Police,” he added.
Dr. Jitendra Singh said since the UTs came into being the teachers have ceased to be state government employees and now are at a par with the Central Government employees. “Their salaries have been doubled and they can now draw several pecuniary benefits like CGHS healthcare cover, Education Allowance and Hostel reimbursement for Children’s Education and LTC,” he said.
Dr. Jitendra Singh gave a patient hearing to the teachers’ demands for creation of autonomous independent Education Commission for the newly created UTs, transparent transfer policy and DPC of all cadres in the School Education Department besides regular payment of salary.
Dr. Jitendra Singh said the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has promised a new dawn for the UT of J&K. “As many as eight Medical Colleges have been sanctioned for the UT at Kathua, Udhampur, Doda and two AIIMS in Jammu and Srinagar,” he said. “Panchayats have been granted Rupees One Crore each to undertake development works,” he said. “Besides, the Union Home Minister Shri Amit Shah has assured the UT status is temporary and the State status will be restored in Jammu and Kashmir at an appropriate moment,” he added.
Ministry of Railways
In spite of Covid Challenges, on 28th February 2021, Indian Railways surpasses last year's Cumulative freight loading for same period corresponding
As on 28 February 2021 Indian Railways cumulative freight loading was 1102.17 million tonnes for this year which is higher as compared to last years cumulative loading for the same period 
On a month to month basis as well, as on 28th February, the loading for the month of February 2021 was 112.25 million tonnes ,which was almost 10 % higher than that as on February 28 of last year
Revenue upto February 28 was almost 8 % higher on a month to month basis and 1 % higher on a cumulative basis as well
Freight figures continue to maintain the high momentum in terms of loading, earning and speed in the month of February 2021 for Indian Railways
In spite of Covid challenges, on 28th February 2021, Indian Railways surpassed last year's Cumulative freight loading for same period corresponding.
Freight figures continue to maintain the high momentum in terms of loading, earning and speed in the month of February 2021 as well for Indian Railways. Yesterday’s loading crossed 5 million tonnes.
As on 28 February 2021 Indian Railways cumulative freight loading was 1102.17 million tonnes for this year which is higher compare to last year for the same period.
On a month to month basis, upto February 28 , 2021, Indian Railways loading was 112.25 million tonnes, which is almost 10 % higher compared to loading up to February 28 of last year. .
On day to day basis, on 28th February, 2021, the freight loading of Indian Railways was 5.23 million tonnes, which is 36% higher compare to last year’s loading for the same date .
The average speed of Freight Trains in the month of February 2021 was 46.09 kmph which is more than double as compare to last year for the same month . On 28th February, the average speed of freight trains was 47.51 kmph compare to 23.17 kmph last year for the same date which is also more than double.
Also in the month of February 2021 Indian Railways earned Rs. 11096.89 crores from freight loading which is 7.7% higher compare to last year’s earnings for the same period . On 28th February 2021 Indian Railways earned Rs. 509.44 crores from freight loading which is 34% higher compare to last year’s earnings for the same day .
It is worth mentioning that a number of concessions/discounts are also being given in Indian Railways to make Railways Freight movement very attractive. Strong emergence of Business Development Units in Zones & Divisions, constant dialogue with the industry & logistics service providers , faster speed etc are adding to the robust growth of freight business for the Railways.
It may be noted that COVID 19 has been used by Indian Railways as an opportunity to improve all-round efficiencies and performances.
Ministry of Statistics & Programme Implementation
Theme: Sustainable Development Goals -2: End Hunger, Achieve Food Security and Improved Nutrition and Promote Sustainable Agriculture
Recognizing the importance of Statistics in day-to-day life and to popularize its use, the Government of India has been celebrating birth Anniversary of the legendary Statistician, late Prof. P. C. Mahalanobis, on 29th June, as “Statistics Day”.
Due to the prevailing Covid-19 pandemic, the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation  celebrated Statistics Day, 2021 in virtual mode, through video conferencing. The event was also live streamed through various social media platforms of the Ministry. The theme selected for the “Statistics Day” 2021 was Sustainable Development Goal  - 2 .
Minister of State , Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation  and Ministry of Planning, Rao Inderjit Singh graced the occasion as Chief Guest of the event and addressed the participants through virtual mode. Prof. Bimal Kumar Roy, Chairman, National Statistical Commission , Dr. G. P. Samanta, Chief Statistician of India & Secretary, MoSPI, Prof. Sanghamitra Bandyopadhyay, Director, Indian Statistical Institute also addressed the audience. The representatives of international agencies namely, Mr. Pietro Gennari, Chief Statistician, Food and Agriculture Organization  of the United Nations; Ms. Renata Lok-Dessallien, UN Resident Coordinator, conveyed their message on the occasion. Senior officers of Central/ State/UT Governments, representatives of various National and International agencies etc., also joined the event.
During the event, the winners of the National awards instituted by the Ministry were announced and they were felicitated virtually. Prof. P. C. Mahalanobis National Award in Official Statistics-2021for the lifetime achievements was conferred upon Dr. R. B. Barman, Former Chairman, National Statistical Commission. Prof. P. C. Mahalanobis National Award in Official Statistics-2021 in the category of in-service Official Statistician above 45 years of age, was conferred upon Dr. Sitabhra Sinha, Professor, Institute of Mathematical Sciences, Chennai. Prof. C.R. Rao National Award in Statistics for Young Statisticians-2021 was given to Dr. Kiranmoy Das, Associate Professor, Indian Statistical Institute, Kolkata. The winners of these National Awards also expressed their views during the occasion. The winners of ‘On the Spot Essay Writing Competition’ for Post-Graduate Students on the subject relevant to Statistics as organized by the Ministry at All India level were also felicitated during the event virtually.
A brief presentation was also made by the Ministry on the theme of the Statistics Day. Further, as a part of celebrations of Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav, an initiative of the Government, Ministry also released Sustainable Development Goals  - National Indicator Framework -Version 3.1, NIF Progress Report 2021, and Data Snapshot on SDGs’ NIF Progress Report 2021 .
Competition Commission of India
CCI approves acquisition of 9.99% stake in Jio Platforms by Jaadhu Holdings LLC
The Competition Commission of India  approves acquisition of 9.99% stake in Jio Platforms by Jaadhu Holdings LLC. The proposed combination envisages acquisition of approximately 9.99% stake inJio Platforms Limited by Jaadhu Holdings LLC .
Jaadhu is an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of Facebook. Jaadhu is a newly incorporated company formed in March 2020 under the laws of the State of Delaware, United States. Facebook is a publicly traded company listed on NASDAQ, with headquarters in California, United States of America. Facebook was founded in 2004. Its mission is to give people the power to build community and bring the world closer together. The Facebook group offers various products and services that help people connect to their friends and family, find communities, and grow businesses.
Jio Platforms is a company organised and existing under the laws of the Republic of India, and a subsidiary of RIL. Jio Platforms owns  and operates digital applications and holds controlling investments in certain technology related entities. Jio Platforms also holds 100% of the issued and outstanding share capital of Reliance JioInfocomm Limited . RJIL is a public limited companyincorporated in India, and is a licensed telecommunications operator, providing telecommunications services to users across the country.
A detailed order of the CCI will follow.
Prime Minister's Office
PM condoles the passing away of His Holiness Moran Mar Baselios Marthoma Paulos II
(The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has expressed deep grief over the passing away of His Holiness Moran Mar Baselios Marthoma Paulos II, the Supreme Head of Indian Orthodox Church.
In a tweet, the Prime Minister said, "Saddened by the passing away of His Holiness Moran Mar Baselios Marthoma Paulos II, the Supreme Head of Indian Orthodox Church. He leaves behind a rich legacy of service and compassion. In this hour of grief, my thoughts are with the members of the Orthodox Church. RIP."
Prime Minister's Office
PM greets CRPF personnel on Raising Day
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, has greeted the CRPF personnel on the Raising Day.
In a tweet, the Prime Minister said, "Greetings to all courageous @crpfindia personnel and their families on the force’s Raising Day. The CRPF is known for its valour and professionalism. It has a key role in India’s security apparatus. Their contributions to further national unity are appreciable".
Ministry of Commerce & Industry
National Productivity Council gets Accreditation conforming to ISO 17020:2012
National Productivity Council , under Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade , Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Govt. of India has been granted accreditation conforming to ISO 17020:2012 by National Accreditation Board for Certification Body , Quality Council of India  for undertaking inspection and audit work in the area of Food Safety Audit and Scientific Storage of Agricultural Products. This accreditation is valid for a period of three years. NPC has already formed an Inspection Division at its Headquartersfor undertaking Inspection and audit activities.
NPC has been conducting inspections/audit for different statutory bodies such as Warehousing Development and Regulatory Authority  and Food Safety and Standards Authority of India , and is already having high credentials in the area of inspections and audits.
WDRA empanelled NPC as an accreditation and inspection agency since 2011 for inspection of Warehouses all over India.FSSAI had also empanelledNPC as an Auditing agency for conducting Food Safety Audit of Food Business Operators  across India in the area of Food Storage/Warehousing/Cold Storage. NPC has also conducted Audits of Dairy Plants, Oil Extraction Units, Solvent Extraction Plants and Oil Refineries for FSSAI.
Present accreditation of NPC by NABCB conforming to ISO 17020:2012 will enable it to undertakeIndependent Third-PartyAudits of Food Business Operators including Food Storage Warehouses as per Food Safety and Standards  Regulations, 2018 of FSSAI as well as inspections of Warehouses as per WDRA Rules, 2017.
YB/AP